Bakken oil may be more flammable
Following a string of explosive accidents, U.S. officials say crude oil being shipped by rail from the northern plains across the U.S. and Canada may be more flammable than traditional forms of oil.
Fire department starts “Adopt-A-Hydrant” program
Residents or businesses can “adopt” a hydrant to help assure that it is accessible by clearing snow on all sides of the hydrant. By adopting a hydrant, participants will be helping to protect themselves, their families and their neighbours.
http://stamford.dailyvoice.com/police-fire/stamford-fire-department-starts-adopt-hydrant-program
Common kitchen feature blamed for fires
Kitchen ‘appliance garages’, which have pull-down doors to hide toasters, kettles and other small appliances, were the cause of two recent house fires, according to the New Zealand Fire Service. If the appliances are not pushed well into the cupboard the door can be accidentally lowered onto on/off switches.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11183170
Crane operator saved from Kingston fire in ‘extremely unusual rescue’
A military rescue technician who was lowered from a helicopter to save a crane operator stranded above a massive fire in Kingston, Ont., credits daily training for the success of an “extremely unusual rescue.”
Fire department acquires battery-powered continuous chest compression device
The Lucas Chest Compression System, which costs about $13,000, delivers compressions that standardize the procedure according to the latest scientific guidelines and provides the same quality for all patients while avoiding EMT fatigue.
Edmonton Fire Rescue’s resources being stretched thin
Urban sprawl and rising call volumes are stretching Edmonton Fire Rescue’s resources, with an average of 52 people moving to the city every day. Fire Chief Ken Block says keeping pace with that booming growth is their biggest challenge in 2014.
Kingston Fire Department highlights CO safety and new Ontario CO detector law
The Ontario legislature has amended the Fire Protection & Prevention Act to require the installation of a carbon monoxide detector adjacent to all sleeping areas in any new or existing residence served by ANY kind of fuel-burning appliance, including gas furnaces, gas water heaters, fireplaces, and wood stoves.
http://kingstonherald.com/release/co-detector-law-2010312593
War on wood construction fires up
The Cement Association of Canada recently held a press conference to address proposed amendments to the National Building Code of Canada (NBCC) which would allow the construction of wood buildings up to six storeys.
http://dcnonl.com/article/id58304/–war-on-wood-construction-fires-up
Windsor Fire & Rescue Service Twitter account serves up fire safety with a fun twist
Windsor Fire officials are reminding are reminding residents about fire safety with a Twitter campaign. Each day includes a humorous Bitstrip comic featuring Chief Bruce Montone to go along with the serious messages of safety.
Firefighters drive drinkers home to prevent crashes
For the fourth year, the Stewiacke fire department in Nova Scotia is giving rides home to people who have had a few drinks and shouldn’t be driving. The best part? Inebriated adults can live out childhood dreams of riding in a big red fire truck.